Mohd Irfan
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today launched a scathing attack on MLA Sajad Lone after the latter staged a walkout from the Assembly. Responding to media queries about Lone’s actions, Choudhary accused him of indulging in theatrics for media attention rather than genuinely addressing public grievances.
“In 2014, when they formed a government with the BJP, the issue of Article 370 was not on their agenda. Now, when they are out of power, they are raking up this issue only to ensure their names appear in newspapers. If they truly cared about the people, they would have taken meaningful steps back then instead of maintaining silence,” Choudhary said.
He urged political leaders to focus on the pressing issues affecting the common people instead of merely engaging in publicity stunts. “For years, the public has been suffering immensely. But rather than talking about their problems, some leaders are more concerned about addressing the press gallery,” he added.
Statehood Restoration Assured
The Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is inevitable. “The National Conference had already passed a resolution on statehood and local laws in the very first Assembly session. Even the Prime Minister has assured its restoration. The environment is conducive, and statehood will be restored soon,” he said.
On being asked whether special status for J&K has been completely rejected, Choudhary dismissed such concerns. “It has not been rejected. The Prime Minister and Home Minister will take a call on it. This is the people’s demand, and it will be fulfilled,” he stated confidently.
Daily Wagers’ Demands Will Be Fulfilled
Addressing the long-standing concerns of daily wage workers, Choudhary assured that their demands will be met. “We made promises in our manifestos, and they will be honored. Just as a sentence follows a full stop and a comma, every commitment will be looked into. The National Conference will live up to the expectations of the people,” he emphasized. He reminded that the government has been elected for five years, not just a few months, and people should judge them at the end of their term.
Response to Saifullah Mir’s Allegations
Reacting to a statement by Saifullah Mir regarding developmental work in Keran, Choudhary dismissed the concerns. “Our Chief Minister has already clarified this in the Assembly. I don’t find it necessary to respond further. Yes, people in remote areas need electricity, just like everyone else. But don’t exaggerate issues unnecessarily,” he remarked, pointing to similar concerns raised by other MLAs from Bani and Banihal.
Rise in Drug Menace & Crime in J&K
During the session, several ruling and treasury bench MLAs expressed grave concerns over the rising drug menace in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the spread of heroin (“Chitta”). Choudhary urged the Director General of Police (DGP) to take strict action against the drug crisis, which is destroying the younger generation. “The J&K Police is doing commendable work, but we need stronger measures. There’s no need to transfer investigations to the CBI. The rising crime rate, including the recovery of dead bodies, is alarming. The police must ensure that our society becomes drug-free at the earliest,” he asserted.
Recruitment Scam Probe Left Unanswered
When asked about action against those involved in recruitment scams, including the infamous Sub-Inspector and Fire Services recruitment cases, Choudhary avoided a direct response, leaving a major question mark on the government’s stance on accountability. The statements of the Deputy Chief Minister come at a crucial juncture when the people of Jammu and Kashmir eagerly await concrete action on statehood restoration, employment issues, and governance challenges.
